A group of plaintiffs have filed a joint baby power lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson.

The ten plaintiffs include four women who developed ovarian cancer and representatives of six women who died of ovarian cancer, allegedly as a result of using the company’s talcum powder products.

Each of the women at the heart of the baby powder lawsuit said they used Johnson & Johnson talc-based baby powder or shower-to-shower powder on their genital area for feminine hygiene purposes.

Other uses of talcum powder include preventing diaper rash and maintaining healthy skin. At one time, Johnson & Johnson encouraged women to line their underwear with shower-to-shower powder to maintain “personal freshness.”

Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Link

While this practice has been common for generations of American women, it may have been this very practice that resulted in many cases of ovarian cancer.

The women in the baby powder lawsuit allege the talc particles entered their body after the powder made contact with their genital area, allowing the particles to migrate up into their ovaries. Once there, the women allege, the particles festered and caused cancerous cells.

Several studies have indicated talcum powder can increase the risk of ovarian cancer. The possible correlation was first indicated in the 1970s, with at least one study finding talc particles in ovarian tumors.

The baby powder lawsuit alleges Johnson & Johnson knew of the of the risk, but did not warn consumers or the medical community of the possible link between baby powder and ovarian cancer.

Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges, the company promoted their products for feminine hygiene purposes involving direct genital contact with the powder, despite knowing of the risk.

Baby Powder Cancer Lawsuits

The company is currently facing thousands of similar baby powder lawsuits from women and families across the country. At least two baby powder lawsuits have gone before juries this year, both ending in multimillion dollar verdicts against the company.

The juries in those two cases found the company liable for failing to warn consumers of the link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer. If the litigation process continues with similar victories for the plaintiffs, Johnson & Johnson could face the possibility of paying massive talcum powder ovarian cancer damages.